RUNAWAY TRAIN
Boy George / Culture Club Lyrics
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Two hundred bodies is all I need
These boys are hungry and a little vain
The truth is a runaway train
Flew down to airy California sun
So many people tryna be someone
Michelle Obama, you know my name
It's a runaway train, it's a runaway train
The truth is a runaway train
It's a runaway train, it's a runaway train
The truth is a runaway train
From California flew down to Rome
Feels like the whole world is my home
I miss your laughter, I miss the rain
The truth is a runaway train
It's a runaway train, it's a runaway train
The truth is a runaway train
It's a runaway train, it's a runaway train
The truth is a runaway train
Even when you're innocent, all the leaves the same
And all those judges are Shakespearean in shame
And you know I loved you as I loved you then
When you were the image of an angel
Oh oh
Runaway train, come on now
Hey oh
Runaway train
It's a runaway train, it's a runaway train, ah
The truth is a runaway train
It's a runaway train, it's a runaway train
The truth is a runaway train
It's a runaway train, yeah oh
Runaway train
Ooh
It's a runaway train
The lyrics to Boy George / Culture Club's song Runaway Train evoke a palpable sense of longing, both for a sense of belonging and for the people and places that the singer has left behind. Starting with the simple yet poignant image of running with a heart on one’s sleeve, the singer then moves to a larger sense of community, referencing the “two hundred bodies” that he needs to feel connected. Despite this desire for connection, the singer recognizes that this group of people can also be vain, highlighting the disconnect between individualism and a sense of belonging. The chorus repeats the idea of the “runaway train” – a metaphor for the elusive nature of truth and the unpredictability of life.
The song then moves on to reference California and its culture of fame and celebrity. The reference to Michelle Obama suggests a longing for a time when the singer was connected to people of note and significance, but also implies a sense of loss and distance. As the singer travels to Rome and beyond, he recognizes that the whole world can feel like home, but that there are places and people that will always hold a special place in his heart. The repeating chorus underscores the idea that truth can be elusive and that life can be unpredictable, both in the sense of physical travel and the emotional journey of finding one’s place in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Runnin' to Boston, heart on my sleeve
I am in a hurry to reach Boston, and I am displaying my emotions without hesitation.
Two hundred bodies is all I need
I only need a couple of hundred people to support me and validate my efforts.
These boys are hungry and a little vain
These men are ambitious and somewhat selfish.
The truth is a runaway train
The truth is a force to be reckoned with and cannot be tamed or controlled.
Flew down to airy California sun
I traveled to California, where the sun is bright and the air is light.
So many people tryna be someone
There are too many people trying to establish themselves as someone important or noteworthy.
Michelle Obama, you know my name
I want to be recognized and remembered by Michelle Obama.
From California flew down to Rome
I departed California and travelled to Rome, Italy.
Feels like the whole world is my home
I feel at ease and comfortable in any part of the world.
I miss your laughter, I miss the rain
I long for the sound of your laughter and the sensation of rain.
Even when you're innocent, all the leaves the same
Even if you are innocent, you will be treated the same as those who are guilty.
And all those judges are Shakespearean in shame
The judges' actions are so absurd that they appear to have been written by Shakespeare.
And you know I loved you as I loved you then
I loved you in the past, and I still love you now.
When you were the image of an angel
You were a perfect person, just like an angel.
It's a runaway train, it's a runaway train
The truth is an out-of-control force that cannot be stopped.
Hey oh, runaway train
Oh no, the truth cannot be contained or tamed.
It's a runaway train, yeah oh
The truth cannot be stopped, it can only continue moving forward.
Ooh, it's a runaway train
The truth is an unstoppable force that cannot be controlled.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: George Alan O'Dowd
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PaulSmith-pf2uq
"Runaway Train"
Runnin' to Boston, heart on my sleeve
Two hundred bodies is all I need
These boys are hungry and a little vain
The truth is a runaway train
Flew down to airy California sun
So many people tryna be someone
Michelle Obama, you know my name
The truth is a runaway train
It's a runaway train, it's a runaway train
The truth is a runaway train
It's a runaway train, it's a runaway train
The truth is a runaway train
From California flew down to Rome
Feels like the whole world is my home
I miss your laughter, I miss the rain
The truth is a runaway train
It's a runaway train, it's a runaway train
The truth is a runaway train
It's a runaway train, it's a runaway train
The truth is a runaway train
Even when you're innocent, all the leaves the same
And all those judges are Shakespearean in shame
And you know I loved you as I loved you then
When you were the image of an angel
Oh oh! Runaway train, come on now
Hey oh! Runaway train
It's a runaway train, it's a runaway train, ah
The truth is a runaway train
It's a runaway train, it's a runaway train
The truth is a runaway train
It's a runaway train, yeah oh, runaway train
Ooh, it's a runaway train
@peter-shane6770
when ONLY THE BEST WILL DO.. 👌 HIT IT GEORGE 🎶
@teresachandler52
I love this I love this runaway train
@michaelantonprockiw6333
LOVE THIS SONG! The 70's vibe is on point and the remix w Gladys Knight is amazing too.
@johnwihebrink4017
I love this version. I absolutely love the 70s vibe of this album. It is so good
@spunky1able
My teen era...lol
@daytimedreaming8307
Boy George never disappoints, fantastic dance song. This man's voice is like an oasis in the desert to the ears and souls of those who traverse distance just to find it and bask there in all its glory. Glad you continue to sing Boy George and grace us with your most excellent talents.
@jennylarkin9433
Absolutely Love this (George’s voice is like no other) so uniquely beautiful 😍 ❤️❤️❤️
@spunky1able
Please come to Kentucky, Louisville, hate to say that...LOL but I'd like to give you all in culture club a big hug, not as young, or fiesty as I used to be, but a hug, lovely hug from a lady is special, I'm told mine are....smiles
@nathanielshaynetagilala2223
Kelly & George bought me here the voice Australia bought me here live performance
@MAAmer-dy7pw
This is the album version, there’s another version too which is the single version on this channel, a duet with Iconic Gladys Knight search for it here